You are my inspiration. I have a low income (old age pension) I watch my spending daily, I stay home, get groceries delivered, don’t own a car and practice gratitude.👋🇦🇺😀💖
1. Be frugal every day/make it a lifestyle 2.Track bills 3. Track expenses 4. Eat at home 5. Say no to ourselves 6. Accountability system 7. Seek inspiration 8.Practice Gratitude 9. Analyze purchases
Something I continually forget: I am the CEO of Me. I am the CFO of my finances. I should report to me on how the business of me is running. Great reminder.
Having gratitude is extremely important, esp now when millions of people are in danger of losing their homes and thousands already have. Having a place to lay your head, food available to eat, power in your home are blessings we can't afford take for granted.
I have a spendy hubby. In the beginning ut was mostly me and Davve Ramsey but i knew hubby wanted to be out of debt. We tackled that first. Then hubby wanted some savings, he didn't want to save for it he wanted to spend but i gave us both £50 each a week fun money which we agreed on and that kept him able to spend but also we had a joint goal of £1000 saved. Soon enough hubby stopped maxing out his budget and now hes better than me but was just 1 step at a time and a small specific goal and constantly reviewing how we were doing on our budget. There is hope!
I agree Nancy, I am the saver and the wife is constantly blind spending, we had to separate accounts over 15 yrs ago, she still is spending needlessly today !!!
I wish I could get my husband onboard with saving money. In the last 10 years he has improved a great deal just because he started off so bad with spending but hes far from where we need to be. I'm basically alone with saving money and that makes it so difficult.
1. A frugal tip from my husband and me is we wear our clothes more than once before laundering them. We may not wear them the next day, but if they aren't dirty, why wash them? We change underclothes daily. 2. I use my oven sparingly. I try to cook more than one dish at a time when I do use it. 3. We rarely use our oven in the summertime to keep the inside temperature lower. 4. We unplug our small appliances after use, such as a toaster, IP, electric skillet, crockpot, hairdryer, etc. 5. We eat leftovers for breakfast sometimes. Veggies with an egg on top make a delicious morning or brunch meal and it keeps down food waste. 6. Have a leftover bag or container for the freezer for soup. Some of our best soups have been leftover broths, little bits of juice, rice, potatoes, and veggies or meats that would otherwise be discarded. It's usually one of a kind soup and it's always good! 7. If I have too much milk, I try to freeze it for later. 8. When making cornbread, (yes, I'm Southern), if I need more liquid, I'm not opposed to using water instead of more milk. It doesn't alter the taste. 9. I freeze bananas for banana bread or smoothies. Sometimes, I find a bag for $.25 at the local Farmers Market. I stock up at that price. 10. I'm very blessed to have a neighbor who shares her overages of eggs with me. This saves a few dollars. 11. My daughter coupons several times a week, digital and paper coupons. She gets items sometimes for pennies. She is kind enough to share with us. We gladly accept. 12. We rarely eat out. It's fun to see how little we can spend on a meal. We're getting better and better at it. Eating at home saves tipping your waitress. If we do need to eat out, we use the drive-thru and use coupons when available. We sometimes use gift cards we get as presents. 13. As a retired person, I'm not getting my hair cut anymore, for now. I've learned to trim it myself. I wear it in a bun most of the time. This saved me several hundred dollars/year. I do my manicures and pedicures, as well. 14. Grow a garden. If you can't use it all, share it with neighbors, or preserve it. 15. Get a library card and check out books online. In our area, the library has a "Libby" app for digitally downloading books to read online. The card needs to renew every two years, so watch when that renewal is near. 16. Learn to make bread at home. UA-cam has a plethora of tutorials to teach how to do plenty of things. Use it to your advantage. 17. Research most recipes online. The resources are there, why not use them? 18. Buy meats inexpensively thru a local processor. We recently purchased 40 pounds of fresh not frozen chicken leg quarters for $8.00. We were able to help our kids stock up for their families. 19. Learn portion control. It does save money in the long run. 20. Buy in bulk when you can find a good stock-up price. It's not always at your routine store. Note: I like to order pick up from Wal-Mart. I almost always order the store brand. If an item is out of stock, a different more expensive brand is substituted. That's not the only reason I use store brands. The price is less expensive and I like the quality. Hope these are helpful. It's something we've been doing for about 10 years. Now, since a new year is coming up, I need to stop ordering from Amazon, Boxed, and Grove, temporarily. My no-spend year started last week. 🙂
Holy cow! You are a frugal expert. Love all your ideas. I would add that in addition to checking Walmart for stock up deals, try exploring ethnic markets in your area. My favorite is our local Mediterranean mart. I find amazing produce deals there. Look for low-priced tofu at Asian markets and rice and beans at the Mexican grocer. Amish communities have stores that will order for you in bulk and big money on shelf-stable items like rice, beans, and grains.
I was lucky to study medicine in my home country and not pay any fees aside from lodging, utilities, books and food. I finished university without any debt. So grateful 🙏
After losing our home and everything in it last year, it's been very hard to shift out of loss and back into gratitude. I'm getting better about getting back in tune with my gratitude, but this video was a really great encouragement to get into gratitude every single day. Super appreciate your insights! ❤️
My mom used to make "layered soup." She had a gallon plastic tub in the freezer. After a meal and any small left overs went into the tub such as left over gravy, green beans, rice, meat etc, As the tub filled up the additions layered on top of each other. When the tub was full she'd make soup out of all of it. It was always delicious and enough for a few meals. I still do this with left overs. Left overs make good soups!
Excellent tips! Two habits that have helped me the most with reducing my spending are: waiting at least a day (usually a week or two) before purchasing (so I can ask myself if I really need it, could I get it somewhere cheaper, could I borrow it, etc.) and staying out of stores as much as possible. That includes, now, staying off of websites that offer things to buy. Someone once told me that the first step in temptation is looking, so it takes more self-control to say no after I see something. When I don't look, there's no temptation at all, and it's easy to save money.
You are so right..."stuff' might satisfy momentarily but as soon as the first thrill is gone, a person is looking for another 'fix'. My grandmother and mother were extremely frugal (gram made her grocery list on used envelopes...when she wrote a letter and the page was full she turned it 90 degrees and wrote on the same page. She furnished her dwelling from the Goodwill, as well as her body. Her home looked like a million bucks and so did she. I get my 'thrill' by not spending or seeing how little I can spend. It's almost like a game to me. AND staying out of stores saves money as does making a list and only buying what is on that list. It's too easy to impulse buy. I've accumulated a lot of money over the years. At first it doesn't seem like much but in time it grows substantially. It feels really good and is a bit of security against financial loss.
What i admire most that the two of you are united in your financial goals. I would love to have my husband on board with frugality, but I am alone in my endeavors.
I'm so sorry. Our best advice is to do what you can so that he can see that you are able to reach specific goals by being frugal and to express information to him in a way that he can see it will work. Larry actually didn't believe we could reach goals until I created a document to show him (in writing), step-by-step that we really could save money . After he saw it in writing, he became a believer.
Its like anything that runs smoothly. Communication and finding the area you can have your first tiny specific goal. Hubby is spendy. I can be a skinflint but we were 27k in debt. We found a joint goal... Get out of the overdraft. Once we did that we naturally started setting the next goal with the joy of hitting a target together. You can do it if you pick a small task first. This couple are great but they too started with 1 small step like my family.
I'm watching my husband and I lol. We have been debt free for 2 years. We live frugal. I pay the bills and we are a month ahead. I record our receipts every time we spend. Our goal now is to pay off our mortgage in 6 years.
There has been almost nothing in life which has brought more peace to my family than having a detailed, thorough, and consistent budget. My wife and I have practiced, albeit somewhat sporadically, most of the tips you gave in the video. I wish I could say we have done it for our entire 27 years of marriage, but we haven't. With each stumble, we just dust ourselves off and stand back up. For us it's rather enjoyable to sit with the ledger and a cup of coffee every evening, and enter in our fiscal activity. It's especially rewarding to find I've spent less than I'd anticipated on any given day. The budget is your best earthly friend next to your spouse. Treat it well, and it will treat you even better.
Welcome, Dian and yay for you! We love the idea of paying off that mortgage early. We are behind you 100%! I don't know if you saw it, but we did videos where we talk about paying off our first mortgage in 5 years and also how we paid cash for our second home.
I found you guys cause im learning frugality. I love you guys. You guys are full of love, joy and knowledge. You remind me of some aunts and uncles i had. Super couples that have gone to meet the lord. Take care both of you 😘😘😘😘
Gratitude is GOLD! Instead of looking at other people imagine other people looking at you saying I wish I had that. It all starts from within. You take yourself wherever you go to be grateful for what you have.🙏
Love your tip on being thankful!! You may like to try having a special dessert night out in place of eating out! It makes leftovers at home not seem s dull, if you realize that after the meal you are going out to your favorite dairy barn for ice cream and then you can pocket what you save for something special!
I always lived frugal life growing up. Until I saw Larry & Hope's videos lately and came to clear understanding that I only done 60% what they have done last 32 yrs. I cannot thank them enough how much I learnt from watch this videos. Now I am in a mission to continue and finish of the rest of 40% to live a frugal life style again.
your old ledger reminded me of when my mom shared with me the ledger book my grandmother used years and years ago - when my 86 year old mother was a child (yes my mother has packrat tendencies LOL). Anyway it was so interesting to see how my grandmother did her budget and the prices of groceries, gasoline and such. Thanks for all you two do, I always learn something and love your channel!
My family and I have been making a meal plan for years now, but it was just last year that we added a "burger evening" each week. Each Wednesday, we would eat selfmade burgers, fries and salat or other veggies and this has helped with not spending money on fast food! In Germany, we have something we call Currywurst. Basically, it's a bratwurst with a special sauce one can't really make at home, and when we treat ourselves to a Currywurst, it's really a treat, because it doesn't happen often :)
I love the idea of a DIY night. We do that with things like tacos, baked potatoes, and pizza. I put out a ton of possible toppings and let them make it to their liking. What's nice is that you can put out bits and pieces of leftovers and they get used up - sort of repurposed as a topping for another dish.
Wow when you said to manage my money like a CEO your point really came across. Also it come to mind when I was a young single mother and I was unconsciously ungrateful until I traveled abroad to a very poor country. When I came back to the states my perspective was so different my little boy noticed. My problem was that I kept comparing myself with others who had more than me. And I would kick what I had because I did not like it. All that stop when I came back from the trip because the people I met did not have running water, a fridge, tooth paste. You name it. This was a shocking experience for me, and a needed one. I am a new listener of your videos. Thanks for sharing
Just found you both but boy is this helpful. I am 63 and have done alot of these tips but forgot alot over time, but since a new year is just days away. By george, I am going to start these back up.
The best way I have saved money is, as you mentioned, not putting myself in a situation where I am going to buy something! I can't believe that years ago I would just walk into Target to "look around" and waste so much time and money. I also look for free activities for my children and they love going to parks and the library. It's spending time with mom and dad that they want the most. Lastly, I also try to limit trips to save fuel. I often stop at the grocery store on the way home from work so I don't have to go out again. Love you guys!
Staying home (and for some people not on the computer) does really help with no spending, just because you don't see it. Tracking budget and spendings regularly has been a great help, and I always analyse every bill to hi light ( and remember) what's great value and what is not so much and take that in mind for next menuplan and groceries list.
Thank you for sharing! The things you are saying are very Scriptural. There is much to be said about contentment in the Bible. Jesus even said that if we have food and raiment, we are to be content! We, like you, have a warm house to sleep in and lots of good food to eat! Going for walks is one of our favorite things to do. We see and enjoy so many things (birds, plants, etc) that you just can't see and/or enjoy when in a car. We often forget how truly blessed we are! Keep up the good work!
Sound advice, thank you. I am a new subscriber but a seasoned frugalista. I'm glad I found you, it is great to find like minded people, it helps me keep on track, pick up new ideas and not be considered an odd ball. I take great delight in not lining someone's else's pockets with my hard earned cash. One thing I have learnt is not to be afraid to buy quality items that will last whether new or second hand and always budget for the replacement of equipment that is important in your life, in my case I can't live without my freezer or the equipment to milk the cows. My vehicle is essential as I live on a remote farm. Be mindful and be alert.
Hi, Juli! Welcome to the Under the Median family. You are absolutely right that quality is a very important consideration. Larry paid a lot for our North Face tent. But, when the zipper broke, the company sent us a brand new $700 tent because it was covered under their lifetime warranty.
ALL of these are great tips!! Due to COVID I have been doing grocery pick ups instead of going inside the store. I have saved so much money! A new tip for me was to analyze your receipts. It's important to analyze what it is you're buying. Great video!
The only thing I learned in school or college that would help me financially is that "instant gratification" is a common thing with children. As adults, we should move past that.
Totally agree. Be free, I live in a sweet small cottage in UK. I'm on my own. My children left home. Paid off mortgage and car. Grow veg in garden with lots of flowers and roses. I feel blessed, do not wish for more. It's perfect for my needs. Never envied people with big houses to be honest. I love simple things, playing chess with my grandson, walking miles in beautiful countryside with friends, love yoga, also cycles in countryside.
Thank you for your channel. I just found you and I find it very helpful. I am always on the lookout to be more frugal and to cut down without feeling deprived. Currently we are mortgage free and debt free except for a car payment (which was one yr old and used and well over 40./. off of buying it new). I am 36 and we have 4 kids whom we want to teach how to budget and save for things they enjoy. Our biggest expense is renovating our home and outbuildings (we live on 164 acres). I love to practice gratitude each day now instead of thinking about the next goal all the time. I want to pour my energy into contentment. Thanks again fir your channel it’s a joy to watch!
Tiffany, thank you for your kind words. You are doing a great job managing your money. Like you, we discovered that when it comes to meeting our goals, our own attitude, thoughts, and words were vitally important. I love that you have all that land. We always wanted a little bit of land. We looked for 3 acres in the country, but wound up in the city. For the most part, we're happy with our choice, but we still talk about wishing we had more land whenever we drive through the country.
You two need to tour grade schools/high schools! Great advice, and you are a perfect example of a great team! Yes, gratitude is very important. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I agree this should be a class in high school. At one time there was a class called family living. It taught a few necessary chores, but it only hit lightly on budgets and living expenses.
Excellent advice! Nothing feels as good as being debt free, including the mortgage! I agree with you! I think a good topic would be peer pressure... how to be steadfast when others make fun of your frugal practices... would love to hear how you have dealt with this.
I just found your channel about two weeks and have been watching a couple videos a day to catch up with your content. I also live a frugal life style but choose to spend some of what I’ve saved to travel. I take one international trip a year and one national park vacation a year. No travel for 2020 so will have a larger travel budget when it’s safe to travel again.
A tip I recommend is doing grocery curbside pickup, I order a head of time, review my order before sending it then spend half a week tweaking it, eliminating and adding as needed, takes away the impulse shopping and now we are saving on average 30 to 50 dollars a week......
Excellent video. Great ways to practice daily frugality...Not wasting food can save a lot of money. I used to waste so much food. Now I am am much more hesitant to throw away food. I try to use or freeze my food before it goes to waste...I also started analyzing my receipts to see where I was overspending. I always track all my expenses for each and write them in a notebook.
Sounds like you are on the right track, Fred. I just had to readjust the way I was cooking recently. Our oldest boys moved out and suddenly I was throwing out food far more often. I realized that I was still cooking for six people.
One thing my a.c. repair man told us to do was be sure to turn off ac unit and wash our outside unit with a water hose and wash our permanent inside filters at least once a year. It is kind of like vacuuming the refrigerator coils. It allows the unit to work more efficiently, thus saving money. thanks
Wish people like you and your husband could find a way to educate high school students. Before they graduate and head off to college or work in the BIG WORLD that is the time when this information is so needed. Good at 30 or 40 years old but I say catch them early and educate them for their futures. I have always been frugal because my parents taught me early. So happy that I listened to them. Please please consider a way to educate them early. Sincerely, Debbie and Dexter-Dog her rescued Chihuahua living their life in S. California. 🙋🐾🙏🙋🙋🏄🏄
Awww... you are so kind! Each of our sons takes over our family finances for six months before graduating from high school. They track expenses daily, make a weekly menu plan, grocery shop, total monthly expenses, and make recommendations on any changes they think we should make and why. We walk them through the process for six months. Both of our older sons (who are now grown and on their own) say that this helped them really understand money and how to budget.
I've love something I heard many years ago, "when you go to a mall, or stores, you are surrounded by things you never knew you always wanted/needed." We've saved so much money by only going shopping when we need something specific, and that's all we shop for. My husband and I are always on the look out for ways we can not spend money. In the last couple of years I have been saving a lot by using handkerchiefs, cloth napkins, rags/dishcloths instead of paper towels, dishcloths not sponges, and silicone reusable items instead of seran wrap, aluminum foil, parchment paper... Thank you for great tips and a positive, grateful attitude 🙂
I dont remember the brand of the covers for bowls and cups. The other items have been Nobranded, and Amazon basics, Kithelp reusable storage bags (like sandwhich or freezer bags). We don't own a microwave, so I don't know how they would hold up in that. In a convection oven or regular oven they are holding up excellently well. I use these items all the time, most of them daily, and am very pleased. So far I have been very pleased with the price and quality of Amazon Basics. I wish I had known about this brand earlier.
@@michellejordan627 , thanks! This is super helpful and I can't wait to check these out. I am a fan of Amazon Basics, too. I have their silicone pan liners and love them. They have held up to hard use and are still in great shape.
I recently found the two of you and you are so inspirational! For us, we have automated savings so we are in "self-imposed poverty" so no option to spend 🤣
I don't get bills by mail anymore. All my bills arrive and are paid online- with the exception of my sewer bill and property taxes. After 2.5 yrs in a conventional mortgage, I now am allowed to not have them escrow my property taxes and Homeowners insurance. Now that monthly cost goes into my high yield savings account where I earn a little interest. I like having a written budget. Used to be a on a yellow pad for Years. Now I put it all on "notes" in my phone. Always have a minimum of 3 months budgeted out. I used the Dave Ramsey baby step plan to get out of debt. It was Super hard at the time! Now that I'm out of debt, it's become rather fun to find ways to save more. I do cook at home and eat said food for days as a single person. I am working to do better about food waste.
I used to have G.A.S. (Guitar Aquisition Syndrome) and WOW did I run up my credit cards! Fortunately I'm in the process of recovering from that. I'm down to the last 25% of the c.c. debt. As soon as thats paid off I'll finally be able to start saving as long as nothing bad happens... which, you never know.. take NOTHING for granted that's where gratitude comes in!! 😁
I love your description (Guitar Aquisition Syndrome). LOL! We all have our weak points. For us, it was antiques - for a long time. The only thing that saved us was that we lived in a very small home and we kept having more children. The big joke was that every time I got pregnant we sold off more antiques to make room for the new baby.
when you said "you have to treat it like a CEO" i nearly spit my drink out. I have worked in MANY large businesses. a lot of CEOS haven't a flipping clue. They just go "here's what i want, get it done. Cut corners where you can, this is your budge, K bye." Small businesses on the other hand are different. They know where the money goes, down to the last penny. most small businesses don't have CEOs they are partners and single owner LLCs.
One of the things that I do to save money is that I plan my meals. Then when I write out my grocery list,. I write it in order of the layout of the store. This makes shopping more efficient, I get out of the store quicker, and I don't wander back and forth and buy things that I see that I didn't plan on buying.
I like the word trimming to save money. Like a strict diet ...most likey most people go off it and start eating junk food. If people start saving gradualy instead of a severe or strict cutback they would be able to continue to keep saving more and more.
This really helps me to see that I could do better with budgeting. I'm not sure how you all came into my radar, but I'm glad! Lol! This actually convicted my spirit. I appreciate your easy tone and demeanor. Lord continue to bless you.
We just went on vacation and did a video on our trip to the Smokey Mountains. Two of our children are raised and no longer at home. Our other two boys are in high school. Thank you for your kind words.
My mum taught my to keep a budget book when I got my first job at 16. A little notebook for what’s coming in & what I spend going out. I’m 42 in a couple of weeks & still keep a money notebook for my budget it’s a bit more detailed now but I know exactly how much is in any given account & what bills are due 👍🏻
I love it! We have Larry's parent's budget book from 1941 - the year that they married. We know from the book that Dad celebrated getting married by buying a new hat for $3.95, I think. So fun to see what their splurges were and what they paid for things like rent and groceries.
@@UndertheMedian wow! That is fabulous! I haven’t kept any of my old ones but maybe I will, my daughter might like to look back & see what I spent my hard earned money on 👍🏻
Thank you both for this video. Since covid I’ve been making my own bread in bread machine and not going out eat. Both these have started saving me money. Thanks for the tips. All the best. 🤗
Hi guys! Loved your presentation. I absolutely agree with all you recommended. Its nice to find a channel that reflects my kind of views. Will be watching out for your videos. Good luck!
Sometimes, in my opinion, it’s better to just keep a mortgage. With interest rates very cheap, and some of a tax incentive, we have made a conscious decision not to pay it off in advance and to keep our money invested and growing. Our mortgage is very cheap money to us. I know this is contrary to what is often encouraged, but each family needs to consider where there money will ‘birth the most babies’ and consider running with that. Food for thought!
Best thing we did as a young couple was paying off our new home in 2007 just before the financial crisis of the Great Recession, paid it off and was able to save money for our future retirement and our kids education. It worked well for us.
Many people who pay off their mortgages early do so because it makes them feel more financially secure - even if they know that it’s not the best choice financially.
While i never have been as frugal as you are, i watched the weekly grocery ads and other from them. If there was a good deal in something that was a staple in our house, i purchased multiple of that item. Our menus revolved around what was on sale. Yes, i buy junk food, but only when it's at a good price. We are retired now, but i still watch the weekly ads. I mostly shop the perimeter of the store and don't buy much processed food. Years ago i heard a conversation between my daughter and her cousin. He had just purchased an item and paid full price. Her advice to him was, You should have waited a week or two and it would have been on sale.
We love Ireland! My husband's grandmother came to the States from Coleraine in 1905. We've not been, but several other family members has visited and Ireland is absolutely beautiful!
@@UndertheMedian I'm in the Coleraine area at the moment! Glad you enjoyed our beautiful country. I recently came across your channel. Thanks for all the good advice.
@@ivoryesther5576 , Larry's grandmother immigrated from Coleraine in 1905. Several other family members have visited, but we have never made the trip. However, the photos that we saw were stunning! Thanks for hanging out with us on UA-cam.
I am so grateful for your videos! Thank you I came across your videos like 3 days ago love them all , thank you ! You guys make such a great couple wonderful relationship
Excellent idea about marking your food containers when you put them in the fridge! I have wasted far too much food because I have "lost" it in the fridge. Thanks for the geeat tip!
Love your videos. You seem like a very happy couple too. Motivation for my husband and I - married 5 years and on Ramsey’s baby step 2. Thank you for all these helpful tips! And appreciate your positivity.
I enjoy watching your videos. We are very on board with your habits and employ them ourselves. It is helpful for me to watch people that encourage the habits I want to continue. Thank you!
Thank you for this UA-cam channel. Larry & Hope, you are improving my thought processes when it comes to my finances. Dave Ramsey has a part, but you have a larger part. I never learned your material from my very busy parents. Blessings..
Another good way I save on groceries is to can. If I have chicken on my list & it's on sale I'll get some extra & can it. Fruits? I make jellies & preserves. Same with vegetables. Although, I do dehydrate most of them. This also makes it extremely easy to cook a healthy meal on the nights I just don't feel like cooking. Love your channel. Have used many of your ideas & am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you for sharing.
My hat is off to you for canning. I have deep respect for people who can a lot. I have the supplies and I have done it, but it's not my favorite thing to do. I usually dehydrate or freeze.
Just found your channel. Love the name and the tag line. Treating your finances as if you were the CEO is a great tip. You can apply that to overall home management. Thanks for the vid! ☺️
Remember to add your bi-monthly (some utilities), your quarterly (federal and state tax installments) and annual (some insurance, dues and subscription) bills to your calendar. Prepare your calendar for the whole year at a time.
This is the second video of you that i watch. And i love not only your tips but i also love you guys. I have two questions and i put them here even if i don´t know if you answer questions from viewers here. 1) I have tried so many times to start to save the recides that i get from the shop but aftur two many three days i forget. My question is: would it be just as good if i talked into a recorder as soon as i get into my car about the things i have bought? or do i have to write it down? 2) About food i live alone with my dog, and i seriously do not want to cook for myself only and thereby my refrigirator is almost empty what should i do? like buy in bulks and freez it or what? sorry for my english. 3) (sorry i said two questions) but if it is ok for me to record my buys instead of writing it down. What should i do with the information that will be on my voice recorder. Thank you and God bless your for what you are doing. 4 (one more) here where i live in the north Atlantic we do only have one power comtany that is state-owned and we do not have any organizations that are apart from the eletric company that can give advice on how to save money on power. do you know of any international groups that speciallices in that? again sorry for my english
Just found you guys! Love that you do it together! I review our receipts for groceries too! I realized that we eat like kings on pauper budget but I can cut it even more, truly! Sounds drastic but it's a little adjustment at a time!👍 thanks for your videos!🤗
Good to know we aren't the only ones who analyze receipts. Over the weekend Larry and I were reviewing our expenses from this past year. Our two oldest boys moved out about 3/4 of the way through the year. So, we have decided that we, too, will be on a quest to lower our grocery budget even more in 2021. Maybe we'll do some videos about it.
When our oldest boys moved out, they let some people know that they were interested in household items and so many people offered them really nice items - most for free. The rest they bought second hand. Except for their mattresses. Those, they bought new. Their place looks really cute and they paid hardly anything for their furnishings.
Most people eat only a few favorite dishes, I've discovered rice that can be used as a meal or dessert. I loaded up on canned goods when they were cheap, just open up a can of mixed vegetables, as an example, a can of soup, mix, heat and pour over rice. for dessert, a can of fruit and pkg of pudding made up, mix in the cooled cooked rice, or I mix in 1/3 of orange sherbert into cooked cooled rice, vanilla no fat ice cream is also good. You could add apple pie spice, or cinnamon, vanilla, etc. When potatoes were 49 cent a pound, that was my base for meals
We have 4 envelopes to track our budget, not for cash but to write on, we have fuel, food, fun and miscellaneous that I keep in my wallet and I keep receipts inside envelopes, just love written budgeting, I'm just not a google spreadsheet person😁
I like your idea a lot. I used a simple ledger book for over 20 years. I would probably still be using it, but one of our sons talked me into switching to digital. Each of our sons takes over our budget for six months before graduating from high school. Our 2nd son loves computers and asked it he could switch everything over to digital when it was his turn to handle the family budget. I didn't think I'd like using a computer for the budget, but it grew on me. There are a lot of advantages to just plain pen and paper though.
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New subscriber here. Love your videos! Thank you for your time.
J
I just lost my husband and it now occurs to me I need to change everything financially. Any advice for single empty nesters?
Also recently widowed and trying to restructure my finances.I have down sized my home which has helped to reduce my outgoings and cleared my mortgage.
You are my inspiration. I have a low income (old age pension) I watch my spending daily, I stay home, get groceries delivered, don’t own a car and practice gratitude.👋🇦🇺😀💖
1. Be frugal every day/make it a lifestyle
2.Track bills
3. Track expenses
4. Eat at home
5. Say no to ourselves
6. Accountability system
7. Seek inspiration
8.Practice Gratitude
9. Analyze purchases
Love it! Great personal rules.
Thank You!
Ty
Something I continually forget: I am the CEO of Me. I am the CFO of my finances. I should report to me on how the business of me is running. Great reminder.
This should be a specific class for our teens in high school.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Mandatory!!😊🙏❤🙏
As a former teacher--( grade school) I am so in agreement with this!
No need for a class, just have your teens watch Under the Medium.
@@chynawall8500 ...There ya go.
Having gratitude is extremely important, esp now when millions of people are in danger of losing their homes and thousands already have. Having a place to lay your head, food available to eat, power in your home are blessings we can't afford take for granted.
My dad said.."live like you make $5 a hour!!" I'd rather have $500 in my purse than a $500 purse!!!
Love your purse comment...your dad was a very wise man!
Love this philosophy
I never understood why people need a 500 dollar purse and expensive makeup pallets.
@@girlygirl9766 did you ever have ?
Exactly!!!
The key is that both are in complete agreement. When one is a saver and one is a spender it falls apart fast
So very true.
I have a spendy hubby. In the beginning ut was mostly me and Davve Ramsey but i knew hubby wanted to be out of debt. We tackled that first. Then hubby wanted some savings, he didn't want to save for it he wanted to spend but i gave us both £50 each a week fun money which we agreed on and that kept him able to spend but also we had a joint goal of £1000 saved. Soon enough hubby stopped maxing out his budget and now hes better than me but was just 1 step at a time and a small specific goal and constantly reviewing how we were doing on our budget. There is hope!
I agree Nancy, I am the saver and the wife is constantly blind spending, we had to separate accounts over 15 yrs ago, she still is spending needlessly today !!!
I wish I could get my husband onboard with saving money. In the last 10 years he has improved a great deal just because he started off so bad with spending but hes far from where we need to be. I'm basically alone with saving money and that makes it so difficult.
The SAVER has 2 show the spender look how much I have saved, js😊💔
1. A frugal tip from my husband and me is we wear our clothes more than once before laundering them. We may not wear them the next day, but if they aren't dirty, why wash them? We change underclothes daily.
2. I use my oven sparingly. I try to cook more than one dish at a time when I do use it.
3. We rarely use our oven in the summertime to keep the inside temperature lower.
4. We unplug our small appliances after use, such as a toaster, IP, electric skillet, crockpot, hairdryer, etc.
5. We eat leftovers for breakfast sometimes. Veggies with an egg on top make a delicious morning or brunch meal and it keeps down food waste.
6. Have a leftover bag or container for the freezer for soup. Some of our best soups have been leftover broths, little bits of juice, rice, potatoes, and veggies or meats that would otherwise be discarded. It's usually one of a kind soup and it's always good!
7. If I have too much milk, I try to freeze it for later.
8. When making cornbread, (yes, I'm Southern), if I need more liquid, I'm not opposed to using water instead of more milk. It doesn't alter the taste.
9. I freeze bananas for banana bread or smoothies. Sometimes, I find a bag for $.25 at the local Farmers Market. I stock up at that price.
10. I'm very blessed to have a neighbor who shares her overages of eggs with me. This saves a few dollars.
11. My daughter coupons several times a week, digital and paper coupons. She gets items sometimes for pennies. She is kind enough to share with us. We gladly accept.
12. We rarely eat out. It's fun to see how little we can spend on a meal. We're getting better and better at it. Eating at home saves tipping your waitress. If we do need to eat out, we use the drive-thru and use coupons when available. We sometimes use gift cards we get as presents.
13. As a retired person, I'm not getting my hair cut anymore, for now. I've learned to trim it myself. I wear it in a bun most of the time. This saved me several hundred dollars/year.
I do my manicures and pedicures, as well.
14. Grow a garden. If you can't use it all, share it with neighbors, or preserve it.
15. Get a library card and check out books online. In our area, the library has a "Libby" app for digitally downloading books to read online. The card needs to renew every two years, so watch when that renewal is near.
16. Learn to make bread at home. UA-cam has a plethora of tutorials to teach how to do plenty of things. Use it to your advantage.
17. Research most recipes online. The resources are there, why not use them?
18. Buy meats inexpensively thru a local processor. We recently purchased 40 pounds of fresh not frozen chicken leg quarters for $8.00. We were able to help our kids stock up for their families.
19. Learn portion control. It does save money in the long run.
20. Buy in bulk when you can find a good stock-up price. It's not always at your routine store. Note: I like to order pick up from Wal-Mart. I almost always order the store brand. If an item is out of stock, a different more expensive brand is substituted. That's not the only reason I use store brands. The price is less expensive and I like the quality.
Hope these are helpful. It's something we've been doing for about 10 years. Now, since a new year is coming up, I need to stop ordering from Amazon, Boxed, and Grove, temporarily. My no-spend year started last week. 🙂
Holy cow! You are a frugal expert. Love all your ideas. I would add that in addition to checking Walmart for stock up deals, try exploring ethnic markets in your area. My favorite is our local Mediterranean mart. I find amazing produce deals there. Look for low-priced tofu at Asian markets and rice and beans at the Mexican grocer. Amish communities have stores that will order for you in bulk and big money on shelf-stable items like rice, beans, and grains.
@@UndertheMedianThank you. There's always room for improvement at my house. I am a work in progress.
I’m so happy these 2 found each other.
Me too :)))
I was lucky to study medicine in my home country and not pay any fees aside from lodging, utilities, books and food. I finished university without any debt. So grateful 🙏
"Treat your finances like a CEO... like you are running a business" - brilliant advice!!!!!
After losing our home and everything in it last year, it's been very hard to shift out of loss and back into gratitude. I'm getting better about getting back in tune with my gratitude, but this video was a really great encouragement to get into gratitude every single day.
Super appreciate your insights! ❤️
My mom used to make "layered soup." She had a gallon plastic tub in the freezer. After a meal and any small left overs went into the tub such as left over gravy, green beans, rice, meat etc, As the tub filled up the additions layered on top of each other. When the tub was full she'd make soup out of all of it. It was always delicious and enough for a few meals. I still do this with left overs. Left overs make good soups!
My no1 top tip is " never miss an opportunity " to save , to learn to appreciate, to be thankful.. xxx
Excellent tips! Two habits that have helped me the most with reducing my spending are: waiting at least a day (usually a week or two) before purchasing (so I can ask myself if I really need it, could I get it somewhere cheaper, could I borrow it, etc.) and staying out of stores as much as possible. That includes, now, staying off of websites that offer things to buy. Someone once told me that the first step in temptation is looking, so it takes more self-control to say no after I see something. When I don't look, there's no temptation at all, and it's easy to save money.
You are so right..."stuff' might satisfy momentarily but as soon as the first thrill is gone, a person is looking for another 'fix'. My grandmother and mother were extremely frugal (gram made her grocery list on used envelopes...when she wrote a letter and the page was full she turned it 90 degrees and wrote on the same page. She furnished her dwelling from the Goodwill, as well as her body. Her home looked like a million bucks and so did she. I get my 'thrill' by not spending or seeing how little I can spend. It's almost like a game to me. AND staying out of stores saves money as does making a list and only buying what is on that list. It's too easy to impulse buy. I've accumulated a lot of money over the years. At first it doesn't seem like much but in time it grows substantially. It feels really good and is a bit of security against financial loss.
What i admire most that the two of you are united in your financial goals. I would love to have my husband on board with frugality, but I am alone in my endeavors.
I'm so sorry. Our best advice is to do what you can so that he can see that you are able to reach specific goals by being frugal and to express information to him in a way that he can see it will work. Larry actually didn't believe we could reach goals until I created a document to show him (in writing), step-by-step that we really could save money . After he saw it in writing, he became a believer.
Me 2
Its like anything that runs smoothly. Communication and finding the area you can have your first tiny specific goal. Hubby is spendy. I can be a skinflint but we were 27k in debt. We found a joint goal... Get out of the overdraft. Once we did that we naturally started setting the next goal with the joy of hitting a target together. You can do it if you pick a small task first. This couple are great but they too started with 1 small step like my family.
@@kerrylow6894 Great tips!!
I am a new housewife living in one income and all of these are helpful-most is just staying home!
I'm watching my husband and I lol. We have been debt free for 2 years. We live frugal. I pay the bills and we are a month ahead. I record our receipts every time we spend. Our goal now is to pay off our mortgage in 6 years.
Good luck on your goal. Just tell yourself every day that you can do this 😆
Exciting! We are 8 years. Seems so real now!
@@kerrylow6894 yes, I'm very excited. Now I can't wait to make the mortgage payment every month 😂
Great for you!!! We are putting some thibgs into practice to be debt free also.
There has been almost nothing in life which has brought more peace to my family than having a detailed, thorough, and consistent budget. My wife and I have practiced, albeit somewhat sporadically, most of the tips you gave in the video. I wish I could say we have done it for our entire 27 years of marriage, but we haven't. With each stumble, we just dust ourselves off and stand back up.
For us it's rather enjoyable to sit with the ledger and a cup of coffee every evening, and enter in our fiscal activity. It's especially rewarding to find I've spent less than I'd anticipated on any given day.
The budget is your best earthly friend next to your spouse. Treat it well, and it will treat you even better.
Larry and I really enjoy working toward goals together, too. We've always had "budget review" date nights once a month.
Treat money with respect and care ,it will treat you well THEN...Easy!!!
Gratitude is the hub of the wheel for fugal living!
Hi friends, I love your channel ! ! I live very frugal. My goal is to pay off my mortgage in 7 years instead of 15 years. I know that I can do it :)
Welcome, Dian and yay for you! We love the idea of paying off that mortgage early. We are behind you 100%! I don't know if you saw it, but we did videos where we talk about paying off our first mortgage in 5 years and also how we paid cash for our second home.
I’ve got a dream of paying ours off in 6 years..... fingers crossed
Wow, goodluck.
Good job💪💪💪
I found you guys cause im learning frugality. I love you guys. You guys are full of love, joy and knowledge. You remind me of some aunts and uncles i had. Super couples that have gone to meet the lord. Take care both of you 😘😘😘😘
Josie, that makes us super happy that we remind you of your loved ones. thank you so much!
Gratitude is GOLD! Instead of looking at other people imagine other people looking at you saying I wish I had that. It all starts from within. You take yourself wherever you go to be grateful for what you have.🙏
I like how you talk about being grateful and realizing how we truly live in abundance!
Love your tip on being thankful!! You may like to try having a special dessert night out in place of eating out! It makes leftovers at home not seem s dull, if you realize that after the meal you are going out to your favorite dairy barn for ice cream and then you can pocket what you save for something special!
I always lived frugal life growing up. Until I saw Larry & Hope's videos lately and came to clear understanding that I only done 60% what they have done last 32 yrs. I cannot thank them enough how much I learnt from watch this videos. Now I am in a mission to continue and finish of the rest of 40% to live a frugal life style again.
I love that you share about practicing gratitude and being content with what you have. You guys are great! 🙂
your old ledger reminded me of when my mom shared with me the ledger book my grandmother used years and years ago - when my 86 year old mother was a child (yes my mother has packrat tendencies LOL). Anyway it was so interesting to see how my grandmother did her budget and the prices of groceries, gasoline and such. Thanks for all you two do, I always learn something and love your channel!
I LOVE the "treat your finances like you're running a business" tip. This one is HUGELY helpful to get your mind right about your finances.
My family and I have been making a meal plan for years now, but it was just last year that we added a "burger evening" each week. Each Wednesday, we would eat selfmade burgers, fries and salat or other veggies and this has helped with not spending money on fast food! In Germany, we have something we call Currywurst. Basically, it's a bratwurst with a special sauce one can't really make at home, and when we treat ourselves to a Currywurst, it's really a treat, because it doesn't happen often :)
I love the idea of a DIY night. We do that with things like tacos, baked potatoes, and pizza. I put out a ton of possible toppings and let them make it to their liking. What's nice is that you can put out bits and pieces of leftovers and they get used up - sort of repurposed as a topping for another dish.
Wow when you said to manage my money like a CEO your point really came across.
Also it come to mind when I was a young single mother and I was unconsciously ungrateful until I traveled abroad to a very poor country. When I came back to the states my perspective was so different my little boy noticed. My problem was that I kept comparing myself with others who had more than me. And I would kick what I had because I did not like it. All that stop when I came back from the trip because the people I met did not have running water, a fridge, tooth paste. You name it. This was a shocking experience for me, and a needed one.
I am a new listener of your videos. Thanks for sharing
Just found you both but boy is this helpful. I am 63 and have done alot of these tips but forgot alot over time, but since a new year is just days away. By george, I am going to start these back up.
The best way I have saved money is, as you mentioned, not putting myself in a situation where I am going to buy something! I can't believe that years ago I would just walk into Target to "look around" and waste so much time and money. I also look for free activities for my children and they love going to parks and the library. It's spending time with mom and dad that they want the most. Lastly, I also try to limit trips to save fuel. I often stop at the grocery store on the way home from work so I don't have to go out again. Love you guys!
Staying home (and for some people not on the computer) does really help with no spending, just because you don't see it. Tracking budget and spendings regularly has been a great help, and I always analyse every bill to hi light ( and remember) what's great value and what is not so much and take that in mind for next menuplan and groceries list.
Thank you for sharing! The things you are saying are very Scriptural. There is much to be said about contentment in the Bible. Jesus even said that if we have food and raiment, we are to be content! We, like you, have a warm house to sleep in and lots of good food to eat! Going for walks is one of our favorite things to do. We see and enjoy so many things (birds, plants, etc) that you just can't see and/or enjoy when in a car. We often forget how truly blessed we are! Keep up the good work!
New UK viewer here, I love your videos! Very relaxing and feels like you're chatting with me across the pond 🇬🇧
Thanks, Sophie. That's exactly what we are trying to achieve.
Wow, like parents advicing kindly to children or grand children. Thank you! 🥰🥰
contentment and gratitude are not only beneficial but pleasing to GOD who DAILY loads us with benefits that we should recognize and be thankful for.
Sound advice, thank you. I am a new subscriber but a seasoned frugalista. I'm glad I found you, it is great to find like minded people, it helps me keep on track, pick up new ideas and not be considered an odd ball. I take great delight in not lining someone's else's pockets with my hard earned cash. One thing I have learnt is not to be afraid to buy quality items that will last whether new or second hand and always budget for the replacement of equipment that is important in your life, in my case I can't live without my freezer or the equipment to milk the cows. My vehicle is essential as I live on a remote farm. Be mindful and be alert.
Hi, Juli! Welcome to the Under the Median family. You are absolutely right that quality is a very important consideration. Larry paid a lot for our North Face tent. But, when the zipper broke, the company sent us a brand new $700 tent because it was covered under their lifetime warranty.
ALL of these are great tips!! Due to COVID I have been doing grocery pick ups instead of going inside the store. I have saved so much money! A new tip for me was to analyze your receipts. It's important to analyze what it is you're buying. Great video!
The only thing I learned in school or college that would help me financially is that "instant gratification" is a common thing with children. As adults, we should move past that.
Totally agree. Be free, I live in a sweet small cottage in UK. I'm on my own. My children left home. Paid off mortgage and car. Grow veg in garden with lots of flowers and roses. I feel blessed, do not wish for more. It's perfect for my needs. Never envied people with big houses to be honest. I love simple things, playing chess with my grandson, walking miles in beautiful countryside with friends, love yoga, also cycles in countryside.
Thank you for your channel. I just found you and I find it very helpful. I am always on the lookout to be more frugal and to cut down without feeling deprived. Currently we are mortgage free and debt free except for a car payment (which was one yr old and used and well over 40./. off of buying it new). I am 36 and we have 4 kids whom we want to teach how to budget and save for things they enjoy. Our biggest expense is renovating our home and outbuildings (we live on 164 acres). I love to practice gratitude each day now instead of thinking about the next goal all the time. I want to pour my energy into contentment. Thanks again fir your channel it’s a joy to watch!
Tiffany, thank you for your kind words. You are doing a great job managing your money. Like you, we discovered that when it comes to meeting our goals, our own attitude, thoughts, and words were vitally important. I love that you have all that land. We always wanted a little bit of land. We looked for 3 acres in the country, but wound up in the city. For the most part, we're happy with our choice, but we still talk about wishing we had more land whenever we drive through the country.
🙏❤🙏
You two need to tour grade schools/high schools! Great advice, and you are a perfect example of a great team! Yes, gratitude is very important. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks. We love your FB name!
@@UndertheMedian - Thank you!
It’s eye opening to track expenses (for the 1st time). To budget, and track expenses causes you to be very intentional in where your money goes.
I just wanted to say, you both are so lovely. I wish my husband and I will be able to grow our relationship and love as strong as you did❤
I agree this should be a class in high school. At one time there was a class called family living. It taught a few necessary chores, but it only hit lightly on budgets and living expenses.
Excellent advice! Nothing feels as good as being debt free, including the mortgage! I agree with you! I think a good topic would be peer pressure... how to be steadfast when others make fun of your frugal practices... would love to hear how you have dealt with this.
Money Mom sent me to your channel and am I glad she did! Thanks for your videos, good advice. You both set a fine example!
I just found your channel about two weeks and have been watching a couple videos a day to catch up with your content. I also live a frugal life style but choose to spend some of what I’ve saved to travel. I take one international trip a year and one national park vacation a year. No travel for 2020 so will have a larger travel budget when it’s safe to travel again.
A tip I recommend is doing grocery curbside pickup, I order a head of time, review my order before sending it then spend half a week tweaking it, eliminating and adding as needed, takes away the impulse shopping and now we are saving on average 30 to 50 dollars a week......
That is an outstanding tip! Thank you!
Excellent video. Great ways to practice daily frugality...Not wasting food can save a lot of money. I used to waste so much food. Now I am am much more hesitant to throw away food. I try to use or freeze my food before it goes to waste...I also started analyzing my receipts to see where I was overspending. I always track all my expenses for each and write them in a notebook.
Sounds like you are on the right track, Fred. I just had to readjust the way I was cooking recently. Our oldest boys moved out and suddenly I was throwing out food far more often. I realized that I was still cooking for six people.
One thing my a.c. repair man told us to do was be sure to turn off ac unit and wash our outside unit with a water hose and wash our permanent inside filters at least once a year. It is kind of like vacuuming the refrigerator coils. It allows the unit to work more efficiently, thus saving money. thanks
Wish people like you and your husband could find a way to educate high school students. Before they graduate and head off to college or work in the BIG WORLD that is the time when this information is so needed. Good at 30 or 40 years old but I say catch them early and educate them for their futures. I have always been frugal because my parents taught me early. So happy that I listened to them. Please please consider a way to educate them early. Sincerely, Debbie and Dexter-Dog her rescued Chihuahua living their life in S. California. 🙋🐾🙏🙋🙋🏄🏄
Awww... you are so kind! Each of our sons takes over our family finances for six months before graduating from high school. They track expenses daily, make a weekly menu plan, grocery shop, total monthly expenses, and make recommendations on any changes they think we should make and why. We walk them through the process for six months. Both of our older sons (who are now grown and on their own) say that this helped them really understand money and how to budget.
Some people don’t understand that saying no to impulse purchases means more money/freedom later.
I've love something I heard many years ago, "when you go to a mall, or stores, you are surrounded by things you never knew you always wanted/needed." We've saved so much money by only going shopping when we need something specific, and that's all we shop for. My husband and I are always on the look out for ways we can not spend money. In the last couple of years I have been saving a lot by using handkerchiefs, cloth napkins, rags/dishcloths instead of paper towels, dishcloths not sponges, and silicone reusable items instead of seran wrap, aluminum foil, parchment paper...
Thank you for great tips and a positive, grateful attitude 🙂
I am super intrigued with your silicone reusable items. How have the held up with frequent use and is there a brand that you really like?
I dont remember the brand of the covers for bowls and cups. The other items have been Nobranded, and Amazon basics, Kithelp reusable storage bags (like sandwhich or freezer bags). We don't own a microwave, so I don't know how they would hold up in that. In a convection oven or regular oven they are holding up excellently well. I use these items all the time, most of them daily, and am very pleased. So far I have been very pleased with the price and quality of Amazon Basics. I wish I had known about this brand earlier.
@@michellejordan627 , thanks! This is super helpful and I can't wait to check these out. I am a fan of Amazon Basics, too. I have their silicone pan liners and love them. They have held up to hard use and are still in great shape.
Yup... putting dates on leftovers is a MUST...and it really works well.
Practice gratitude, the best advice...thanks
I recently found the two of you and you are so inspirational!
For us, we have automated savings so we are in "self-imposed poverty" so no option to spend 🤣
You are absolutely right. Automating savings is the best way to not spend money. If you don't see the money, you won't spend it.
I don't get bills by mail anymore. All my bills arrive and are paid online- with the exception of my sewer bill and property taxes. After 2.5 yrs in a conventional mortgage, I now am allowed to not have them escrow my property taxes and Homeowners insurance. Now that monthly cost goes into my high yield savings account where I earn a little interest.
I like having a written budget. Used to be a on a yellow pad for Years. Now I put it all on "notes" in my phone. Always have a minimum of 3 months budgeted out.
I used the Dave Ramsey baby step plan to get out of debt. It was Super hard at the time! Now that I'm out of debt, it's become rather fun to find ways to save more.
I do cook at home and eat said food for days as a single person. I am working to do better about food waste.
I used to have G.A.S. (Guitar Aquisition Syndrome) and WOW did I run up my credit cards! Fortunately I'm in the process of recovering from that. I'm down to the last 25% of the c.c. debt. As soon as thats paid off I'll finally be able to start saving as long as nothing bad happens... which, you never know.. take NOTHING for granted that's where gratitude comes in!! 😁
I love your description (Guitar Aquisition Syndrome). LOL! We all have our weak points. For us, it was antiques - for a long time. The only thing that saved us was that we lived in a very small home and we kept having more children. The big joke was that every time I got pregnant we sold off more antiques to make room for the new baby.
when you said "you have to treat it like a CEO" i nearly spit my drink out. I have worked in MANY large businesses. a lot of CEOS haven't a flipping clue. They just go "here's what i want, get it done. Cut corners where you can, this is your budge, K bye." Small businesses on the other hand are different. They know where the money goes, down to the last penny. most small businesses don't have CEOs they are partners and single owner LLCs.
One of the things that I do to save money is that I plan my meals. Then when I write out my grocery list,. I write it in order of the layout of the store. This makes shopping more efficient, I get out of the store quicker, and I don't wander back and forth and buy things that I see that I didn't plan on buying.
I deleted all the shopping apps off my phone. It was a temptation to “screen shop” and see things I “needed” but hadn’t needed before screen shopping!
I like the word trimming to save money. Like a strict diet ...most likey most people go off it and start eating junk food. If people start saving gradualy instead of a severe or strict cutback they would be able to continue to keep saving more and more.
This really helps me to see that I could do better with budgeting.
I'm not sure how you all came into my radar, but I'm glad! Lol!
This actually convicted my spirit.
I appreciate your easy tone and demeanor.
Lord continue to bless you.
Do you ever go on a vacation? Do your children all live with you? You are very frugal and wise. You should teach economics at schools. Great job!😊
We just went on vacation and did a video on our trip to the Smokey Mountains. Two of our children are raised and no longer at home. Our other two boys are in high school. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank You for sharing !!! These tips are great !!! Hugs and Blessings from Mexico .
My mum taught my to keep a budget book when I got my first job at 16. A little notebook for what’s coming in & what I spend going out. I’m 42 in a couple of weeks & still keep a money notebook for my budget it’s a bit more detailed now but I know exactly how much is in any given account & what bills are due 👍🏻
I love it! We have Larry's parent's budget book from 1941 - the year that they married. We know from the book that Dad celebrated getting married by buying a new hat for $3.95, I think. So fun to see what their splurges were and what they paid for things like rent and groceries.
@@UndertheMedian wow! That is fabulous! I haven’t kept any of my old ones but maybe I will, my daughter might like to look back & see what I spent my hard earned money on 👍🏻
I love the practice of gratitude for what you have!
You guys are amazing, thank you for these videos I truly enjoy them as I’m on journey to get rid of my shopaholic habits
Loved the phrase
Dont use reasons to spend money
Thank you both for this video. Since covid I’ve been making my own bread in bread machine and not going out eat. Both these have started saving me money. Thanks for the tips. All the best. 🤗
Hi guys! Loved your presentation. I absolutely agree with all you recommended. Its nice to find a channel that reflects my kind of views. Will be watching out for your videos. Good luck!
Thanks, Lydia! We appreciate your kind words.
Sometimes, in my opinion, it’s better to just keep a mortgage. With interest rates very cheap, and some of a tax incentive, we have made a conscious decision not to pay it off in advance and to keep our money invested and growing. Our mortgage is very cheap money to us. I know this is contrary to what is often encouraged, but each family needs to consider where there money will ‘birth the most babies’ and consider running with that. Food for thought!
Best thing we did as a young couple was paying off our new home in 2007 just before the financial crisis of the Great Recession, paid it off and was able to save money for our future retirement and our kids education. It worked well for us.
Many people who pay off their mortgages early do so because it makes them feel more financially secure - even if they know that it’s not the best choice financially.
While i never have been as frugal as you are, i watched the weekly grocery ads and other from them. If there was a good deal in something that was a staple in our house, i purchased multiple of that item. Our menus revolved around what was on sale. Yes, i buy junk food, but only when it's at a good price. We are retired now, but i still watch the weekly ads. I mostly shop the perimeter of the store and don't buy much processed food. Years ago i heard a conversation between my daughter and her cousin. He had just purchased an item and paid full price. Her advice to him was, You should have waited a week or two and it would have been on sale.
Love from Ireland ☘️🇨🇮☘️. I live on a fixed income. And love your inspiration and encouragement. 💚🇨🇮💚
We love Ireland! My husband's grandmother came to the States from Coleraine in 1905. We've not been, but several other family members has visited and Ireland is absolutely beautiful!
@@UndertheMedian I'm in the Coleraine area at the moment! Glad you enjoyed our beautiful country.
I recently came across your channel. Thanks for all the good advice.
@@ivoryesther5576 , Larry's grandmother immigrated from Coleraine in 1905. Several other family members have visited, but we have never made the trip. However, the photos that we saw were stunning! Thanks for hanging out with us on UA-cam.
I am so grateful for your videos! Thank you I came across your videos like 3 days ago love them all , thank you ! You guys make such a great couple wonderful relationship
Thank you, Claudia. We are glad you are enjoying the videos. Thank you for your kind words.
Excellent idea about marking your food containers when you put them in the fridge! I have wasted far too much food because I have "lost" it in the fridge. Thanks for the geeat tip!
Really thankful for your videos. Helps me feel there's hope for my finances.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm grateful that you are finding our videos helpful.
Love your videos. You seem like a very happy couple too. Motivation for my husband and I - married 5 years and on Ramsey’s baby step 2. Thank you for all these helpful tips! And appreciate your positivity.
Sarah, we are delighted to have you with us. Welcome to the family!
Yr UA-cam has helped me a lot, especially staying at home n keeping track of my expenditure. Thank you.
I enjoy watching your videos. We are very on board with your habits and employ them ourselves. It is helpful for me to watch people that encourage the habits I want to continue. Thank you!
Hi, Trisha! We're happy to have you with us!
Thank you for this UA-cam channel. Larry & Hope, you are improving my thought processes when it comes to my finances. Dave Ramsey has a part, but you have a larger part. I never learned your material from my very busy parents. Blessings..
Another good way I save on groceries is to can. If I have chicken on my list & it's on sale I'll get some extra & can it. Fruits? I make jellies & preserves. Same with vegetables. Although, I do dehydrate most of them. This also makes it extremely easy to cook a healthy meal on the nights I just don't feel like cooking. Love your channel. Have used many of your ideas & am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you for sharing.
My hat is off to you for canning. I have deep respect for people who can a lot. I have the supplies and I have done it, but it's not my favorite thing to do. I usually dehydrate or freeze.
Just found your channel. Love the name and the tag line. Treating your finances as if you were the CEO is a great tip. You can apply that to overall home management. Thanks for the vid! ☺️
Thanks for watching.
I'm a single person so even opening a can of veggies & think of how 2 make use of the other part of it & plan planning is key
You can always freeze the rest too. Helps especially with expensive ingredients / food.
Remember to add your bi-monthly (some utilities), your quarterly (federal and state tax installments) and annual (some insurance, dues and subscription) bills to your calendar.
Prepare your calendar for the whole year at a time.
I used to do that. Thank you for Reminding me!
Thank you for your content.
Great suggestions! This is such an important topic to be discussing, I really enjoyed the video!
Thanks, Reece! Glad you enjoyed the tips and the video.
New....and Subscribed...and shared with 2 friends....your kindness and love for each other is special....I'm a fan! Duane H.H. Lyon
Thank you for all the ĝood recommended..
Just catching up on this video now. thank you so much for this one! Lots of practical tips, many of which I'd love to incorporate.
This is the second video of you that i watch. And i love not only your tips but i also love you guys. I have two questions and i put them here even if i don´t know if you answer questions from viewers here. 1) I have tried so many times to start to save the recides that i get from the shop but aftur two many three days i forget. My question is: would it be just as good if i talked into a recorder as soon as i get into my car about the things i have bought? or do i have to write it down? 2) About food i live alone with my dog, and i seriously do not want to cook for myself only and thereby my refrigirator is almost empty what should i do? like buy in bulks and freez it or what? sorry for my english. 3) (sorry i said two questions) but if it is ok for me to record my buys instead of writing it down. What should i do with the information that will be on my voice recorder. Thank you and God bless your for what you are doing. 4 (one more) here where i live in the north Atlantic we do only have one power comtany that is state-owned and we do not have any organizations that are apart from the eletric company that can give advice on how to save money on power. do you know of any international groups that speciallices in that? again sorry for my english
Just found you guys! Love that you do it together! I review our receipts for groceries too! I realized that we eat like kings on pauper budget but I can cut it even more, truly! Sounds drastic but it's a little adjustment at a time!👍 thanks for your videos!🤗
Good to know we aren't the only ones who analyze receipts. Over the weekend Larry and I were reviewing our expenses from this past year. Our two oldest boys moved out about 3/4 of the way through the year. So, we have decided that we, too, will be on a quest to lower our grocery budget even more in 2021. Maybe we'll do some videos about it.
My blessing is to check with my family if I have a need....you would be amazed by things that they will be replacing.
When our oldest boys moved out, they let some people know that they were interested in household items and so many people offered them really nice items - most for free. The rest they bought second hand. Except for their mattresses. Those, they bought new. Their place looks really cute and they paid hardly anything for their furnishings.
Staying at hime is hard for me. I do love my home but I like to go out and explore. I have to do more free exploring!
Most people eat only a few favorite dishes, I've discovered rice that can be used as a meal or dessert.
I loaded up on canned goods when they were cheap, just open up a can of mixed vegetables, as an example, a can of soup, mix, heat and pour over rice.
for dessert, a can of fruit and pkg of pudding made up, mix in the cooled cooked rice, or I mix in 1/3 of orange sherbert into cooked cooled rice, vanilla no fat ice cream is also good. You could add apple pie spice, or cinnamon, vanilla, etc.
When potatoes were 49 cent a pound, that was my base for meals
We have 4 envelopes to track our budget, not for cash but to write on, we have fuel, food, fun and miscellaneous that I keep in my wallet and I keep receipts inside envelopes, just love written budgeting, I'm just not a google spreadsheet person😁
I like your idea a lot. I used a simple ledger book for over 20 years. I would probably still be using it, but one of our sons talked me into switching to digital. Each of our sons takes over our budget for six months before graduating from high school. Our 2nd son loves computers and asked it he could switch everything over to digital when it was his turn to handle the family budget. I didn't think I'd like using a computer for the budget, but it grew on me. There are a lot of advantages to just plain pen and paper though.